Comparison

JLPT Pocket Word vs JLPT Tango

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side β€” with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

JLPT Pocket Word

Features
Read full description

You don't have to memorize Japanese vocabulary the hard way. With JLPT Pocket Word, simply take a few quizzes and let repetition do the work. Study Japanese vocabulary from JLPT N5 to N1, review the words you get wrong, and build your vocabulary little by little. Use it during your commute, before bed, or whenever you have a few minutes to spare. [Key Features] * Japanese vocabulary for all JLPT levels, from N5 to N1 * Choose your JLPT level and start practicing with quizzes * Learn Japanese vocabulary naturally by answering questions * Words you get wrong are automatically shown again for review * Reading guides are provided for all Japanese kanji * Listen to Japanese pronunciation with built-in TTS You don't need to memorize a huge number of words every day. Just start with 10 questions today. 10 questions on your commute. 10 questions before bed. Keep practicing a little at a time, and Japanese vocabulary will gradually become more familiar. Preparing for the JLPT? Practice the vocabulary you need for N5 through N1 with quick, simple quizzes. Make Japanese vocabulary study a little easier with JLPT Pocket Word.

About

JLPT Tango

This app helps learners prepare for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) by providing organized vocabulary lists for all levels. It uses a unique learning queue system for spaced repetition, ensuring you focus on words you find difficult. Practice your knowledge with quiz mode and review essential Japanese writing systems.

Highlights
  • JLPT N5–N1 vocabulary by level
  • Cumulative decks with customizable sizes
  • Learning queue-based repetition
  • Continue study sessions where left off
  • Review count tracking
  • Hiragana and Katakana charts
  • Quiz mode for active recall
Features
Read full description

JLPT Tango is a basic Japanese vocabulary app for learners preparing for the Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). The word Tango in the app name comes from the Japanese word 単θͺžοΌˆγŸγ‚“ご), which means β€œword.” The moment you see the app name, you have already learned your first Japanese word. From the beginner N5 level to the advanced N1 level, you can study Japanese vocabulary organized by JLPT level, review words repeatedly, and test what you have learned with Quiz Mode. Rather than simply viewing words once and moving on, JLPT Tango uses a learning queue system. Words you have memorized are removed from the queue, while words you are unsure about are sent to the back of the queue. This allows you to naturally review the words you have not fully memorized yet. Key Features 1. JLPT N5–N1 Vocabulary by Level JLPT Tango provides vocabulary lists for all five JLPT levels: N5, N4, N3, N2, and N1. Whether you are just starting Japanese or preparing for advanced JLPT vocabulary, you can study words that match your current level. 2. Cumulative Decks with Customizable Sizes (Default Size: 20) Decks contain 20 words by default and are organized cumulatively. For example, Deck 1 includes words 1–20, Deck 2 includes words 1–40, and Deck 3 includes words 1–60. You can also customize the deck size in increments of 10 words, allowing you to learn new vocabulary while naturally reviewing previously studied words. 3. Learning Queue-Based Repetition Each time you start a new study session, the word order is shuffled. Words marked as β€œMemorized” are removed from the current learning queue, while words marked as β€œNot Memorized” are moved to the end of the queue. This helps you reduce words you already know and focus on repeatedly reviewing the words you still find difficult. 4. Continue Where You Left Off Even if you leave the app during a study session, your current learning queue is saved. When you open the app again, you can continue from where you left off, making it easy to study during short breaks, commutes, or school travel time. 5. Review Count Tracking JLPT Tango records how many times you complete each vocabulary list. You can check how many times you have reviewed each list and easily track your progress through review count badges. 6. Hiragana and Katakana Charts The app provides hiragana and katakana charts, helping you review the basic Japanese writing systems alongside vocabulary study. 7. Quiz Mode Test the vocabulary you have studied by solving quiz questions. Quiz Mode helps you check how well you remember each word and reinforce your vocabulary through active recall instead of simply reviewing words by sight. 8. Light / Dark / System Theme JLPT Tango supports Light Mode, Dark Mode, and System Theme. You can study Japanese vocabulary with a comfortable screen setting that matches your environment. 9. Data Reset The app provides a menu for resetting your study records and saved data. When you want to start studying from the beginning again, you can clear your learning progress. Recommended For * Learners preparing for JLPT N5, N4, N3, N2, or N1 * Learners who want to memorize Japanese vocabulary by JLPT level * Learners who want to separate memorized and unmemorized words for review * Learners who want to test their vocabulary with quizzes * Learners who want to study hiragana and katakana together * Learners who want to consistently review Japanese vocabulary in short study sessions Study Japanese vocabulary step by step with JLPT Tango, test what you have learned with quizzes, and remember words longer through repetition-based review.

Screenshots

JLPT Pocket Word4 screens
JLPT Tango4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: JLPT Tango at every 4 days against JLPT Pocket Word's every 9 days. JLPT Tango also leads on iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Β· Rating Β· Positive reviews Β· Number of ratings Β· Update frequency Β· Ads Β· In-app purchases Β· Monetization Β· Best chart rank Β· Devices Β· Requires iOS

CostPrice Β· In-app purchases Β· Ads Β· Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

JLPT Pocket Word ships an update every 9 days, JLPT Tango every 4 days. The most recent releases landed on September 15, 2026 and September 17, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Β· 6 level
JLPT Pocket Word versus JLPT Tango: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterJLPT Pocket WordJLPT Tango
PriceFreeFree
Positive reviewsβ€”90.9% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 9 daysEvery 4 days β€” better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetizationβ€”Free
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, iPod β€” better
Requires iOS17.015.1 β€” better
Further details β€” not scored
Size12 MB55 MB
Age rating4+4+
Developerjaelyung kimLocale Labs

In-app purchases

None

JLPT Pocket Word

No in-app purchases

None

JLPT Tango

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is JLPT Pocket Word free?
JLPT Pocket Word is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is JLPT Tango free?
JLPT Tango is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do JLPT Pocket Word or JLPT Tango have ads?
Neither JLPT Pocket Word nor JLPT Tango shows ads.
Which is updated more often, JLPT Pocket Word or JLPT Tango?
JLPT Pocket Word ships an update every 9 days, and JLPT Tango every 4 days. Most recently, JLPT Pocket Word was updated on September 15, 2026 and JLPT Tango on September 17, 2026.

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